Diego Maradona is the most naturally gifted sportsman i have ever seen.

he had every attribute possible to be a footballer. great finisher, great passer, quick, strong, good stamina, great free kick taker and of course, the greatest dribbler of them all, so so skilful. His second goal against England in the '86 World Cup was just .
as a single moment of showing what you can do in your individual sport, that takes some beating. to run from the halfway line, take the ball round 6 or 7 international class players and then run round the goalkeeper and put the ball in the net is just incredible.
he may have messed his life up through drugs but he's still the greatest in my opinion.

Originally posted by 1stepcloser Diego Maradona is the most naturally gifted sportsman i have ever seen.

That is the unfortunate part. When George Best was playing they would video record it for 'Match Of The Day' or Sunday afternoon football, then record over the same tape the following week. Very little of his genius has been preserved. There are a couple of typical George Best goals here though.http://www.sinatag.com/wc_video.htm

I do not think that he is the best athlete in the world, but I want to at least mention his name. He was the most impressive person I've ever seen in action - Barry Sanders.

I don't know a lot about European football, or sports in general as I'm somewhat young and athletes have been around forever.

For a general thing like Greatest Athlete, it would be hard to find measurements of greatness when comparing so many different varieties of athelets. I don't think that raw speed alone makes someone an athlete, nor the person who holds the record for shortest mile time. But that's just because I don't value those atrributes as much. I respect them, and think they are great traits, but to me, internally, it just doesn't seem like what I'd choose as being a great athlete.

I wonder how much it has to do with competing with others, as opposed to just with yourself - as to what makes an athlete great.

Lemieux could have broken Gretzky's record if he never had cancer and a bad hip but.............

That's very true. I was a Gretzky freak when I was younger, and I detested Lemieux with a passion! In retrospect, it seems so friggin silly, but I hated the thought that someone could be better than Gretz. The reality is, Lemieux is probably the best skilled player in the history of the NHL. But I still believe Gretzky is the best player, not just for his scoring records, but for his durability and resilience. I think it's much harder to prove greatness over 80-plus games than it is to do it in bursts or chunks of seasons when your mental energy is higher.

That's very true. I was a Gretzky freak when I was younger, and I detested Lemieux with a passion! In retrospect, it seems so friggin silly, but I hated the thought that someone could be better than Gretz. The reality is, Lemieux is probably the best skilled player in the history of the NHL. But I still believe Gretzky is the best player, not just for his scoring records, but for his durability and resilience. I think it's much harder to prove greatness over 80-plus games than it is to do it in bursts or chunks of seasons when your mental energy is higher.

And, oh yes, Gretzky should win this poll!!!

I felt the same way you did about Lemieux but as I MATURED I realized that Mario was probably the best individual player ever but Wayne was the greatest team player who also had amazing individual skills. I think Wayne knew that too, that's why he passed the puck to Mario at the Canada Cup in '87. Which by the way, was the best 3 consecutive games of hockey ever played, EVER.

And if you look at Gretzky's level of dominance, it's a joke. No other athlete in any sport has such a gap in achievements. Top ten single season scoring records, he has 8 of the top ten, only guy to get over 200 pts ( 4 different seasons), Lemieux is the only other one to come close. 2857 points, Mess has 1887. Shit, he has more assists than anyone else has in total points, 1963. That is just mind blowing. In case, anyone thinks he was just an assist guy, most goals ever, 894 with Gordie Howe 2nd with 801. The nearest active player is Mario with 690.

To break the career scoring title, a player would have to average 142-143 points per season over a 20 year career. To break the goal record, a player would have to average 45 goals for 20 years. Now, most players don't play 20 years in the first place, most start off slowly and then wane as they grow older. So it is highly improbable that anyone will even come close to these numbers. However, some will argue that in today's game one can't compare Gretzky's stats to today's stats. Utter crap. No one was doing was Gretzky was doing when he was around either except for Mario. He was simply playing the game at a level above the rest of the league.

And his durability and resilience is totally overlooked by people. 20 seasons. And even when he felt he couldn't contribute anymore, he was still averaging almost a point per game. Most players would die for that talent at the peak of their careers let alone at retirement. I'm still a Gretzky freak.

2. While playing in the prestigious International Pee Wee Hockey Tournament in Quebec City's Le Colisee, the 14-year-old Gretzky is frequently besieged by autograph seekers.

3. As a teenager, young Wayne often competes against players much older. At 14 he plays in Tier II junior and major junior at 15.

4. Wayne first dons his now famous No. 99 jersey as a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Originally wanting to wear No. 9 like his idol Gordie Howe, Gretzky settles on his trademark number after wearing No. 19 for a few weeks

5. In May 1978, Gretzky turns pro at 17 with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association.

6. The financially strapped Indianapolis franchise trades Gretzky to the Edmonton Oilers of the WHA in May of 1978.

7. In his first season with the Oilers, Gretzky registers 46 goals and 110 points on his way to capturing WHA rookie of the year honors.

8. The Edmonton, Hartford, Quebec and Winnipeg franchises join the NHL for the 1979-80 season. Gretzky makes his NHL debut on Oct. 10 and registers his first career NHL point, an assist on Kevin Lowe's goal against Chicago.

9. His first NHL goal does not come until three games into the season on Oct. 14 against Glen Hanlon of the Vancouver Canucks.

10. Gretzky wins his first of eight consecutive Hart Trophies in 1979-80 as the MVP of the League.

11. With the 51 goals in 1979-80, Gretzky becomes the youngest player (19 years, two months) to score 50 goals in a single season.

12. Sets an NHL record for most assists in one game by a first-year player, with seven on Feb. 15 vs. Washington.

13. As a first-year player, No. 99 is named as the NHL's Second Team All-Star at the age of 18.

14. In his sophomore season, Gretzky wins his first of seven consecutive Art Ross Trophies as the NHL's leading scorer, setting NHL records for assists (109) and points (164) in a single season.

15. Named the NHL's First Team All-Star Center in 1980-81.

16. Ties an NHL mark for most goals in one period, netting four vs. St. Louis on Feb. 18, 1981.

17. On Dec. 30, 1981 against Philadelphia, Gretzky scores his 50th goal in an unimaginable 39 games. The previous mark was 50 goals in 50 games by Maurice Richard and Mike Bossy.

18. In 1981-82, he wins the first of five Lester B. Pearson Awards as the NHL's outstanding player as voted by the players.

19. Captures his second League scoring title in 1981-82 after becoming the first player in NHL history to record over 200 points, collecting 212.

20. Sets an NHL record for most goals in one season with 92 in 1981-82, breaking Phil Esposito's record of 76, set with Boston in 1970-71.

21. Breaks his own mark of most assists in a single season with 120 in 1981-82.

22. Nets 10 hat tricks in 1981-82 to garner yet another record.

23. Surpasses his own mark for most assists in a single season with 125 in 1982-83.

24. Gretzky earns MVP honors in the 1983 NHL All-Star Game at Long Island after netting four goals.

25. Notches an NHL record with a 30-game scoring streak during the 1982-83 season, surpassing Guy Lafleur's record of 28 in 1976-77.

26. Finishes the 1982-83 season having played in 310 consecutive games.

28. Establishes a new record by notching at least one point in 51 consecutive games, tallying 61 goals and 92 assists for 153 points during the streak in 1983-84. The next longest streak is held by Mario Lemieux, who had a 46-game scoring streak in which he scored 39 goals and 103 points.

30. Sets an NHL record with 12 shorthanded goals and ties his own mark with 10 hat tricks during the 1983-84 season.

31. Captains the Edmonton Oilers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1984 over the New York Islanders in five games.

32. Success continues to find Gretzky during the 1984-85 season. He wins the Hart Trophy for the sixth consecutive year, the Art Ross for the fifth, the Lester B. Pearson for the fourth and makes his fifth First Team All-Star appearance at center.

33. Leads the NHL in 1984-85 with a plus-98 rating.

34. In 1984-85, Gretzky ranks first in goals, assists, points, shorthanded goals, shots on goal and consecutive-game point streak.

35. Breaks his own single season record with 135 assists in 1984-85.

36. During the 1985 postseason, Gretzky rewrites the record books, with 30 assists and 47 points in one playoff year.

37. Gretzky keeps raising the bar for points in one season, including playoffs, registering 255 in 1984-85.

38. Records his 1,000th career point on Dec. 19, 1984 vs. Los Angeles.

39. Captures the 1985 Conn Smythe Trophy while leading the Oilers to their second consecutive Stanley Cup.

40. Gretzky makes a habit of breaking his own records, when in 1985-86 he sets new marks for assists (163) and points (215) in a single season.

41. Ties an NHL record for most assists in a game with seven on Feb. 15, 1980 vs. Washington; also tallies seven assists at Chicago on Dec. 11, 1985 and on Feb. 14, 1986 vs. Quebec.

51. His 31 assists during the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs remain the most by any player in a single postseason.

52. Gretzky captures his second Conn Smythe Trophy as the Edmonton Oilers win their fourth championship in five years.

53. On Aug. 9, 1988, Gretzky is traded to the Los Angeles Kings along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, a 1989 first round pick (Martin Rucinsky), a 1993 first round pick (Nick Stajduhar) and cash.

54. Makes his Kings debut on Oct. 6, 1988 vs. Detroit and records his first point on his first shot.

55. Captures the Hart Trophy for the ninth time in 1989, becoming the first Kings player to ever win the award.

56. Registers his 600th NHL goal on Nov. 23, 1988 vs. Detroit.

57. Notches seven points, including his 1,800th career point, with two goals and five assists on Feb. 18, 1989 vs. Quebec.

58. Earns MVP honors of the 1989 NHL All-Star Game in Edmonton.

59. Sets a Los Angeles club record for assists (114) and points (168) in a single season during the 1988-89 campaign.

60. Moves past Marcel Dionne into second place on the all-time scoring list in a game at Hartford on Jan. 21, 1989.

61. Becomes the all-time leading scorer on Oct. 15, 1989 against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers, surpassing Gordie Howe's total of 1,850.

62. His 1,850th point comes on a goal tying the game with 53 seconds remaining in regulation. He also scores the game-winning goal in overtime.

63. Tallies his 1,900th point with an assist on Dec. 10, 1989 vs. Quebec.

64. Garners his eighth Art Ross Trophy and leads the League with 102 assists in 1989-90, extending his own record of consecutive 100 or more assist season to 10.

65. During the 1990 Stanley Cup Playoffs, "The Great One" ties a Kings record for points in a single playoff game with five (one goal, four assists).

66. The 1990-91 season sees Gretzky win his second consecutive Art Ross Trophy and ninth all-time.

67. His 122 assists leads the League in 1990-91 and sets a Kings club mark for helpers in a single season.

68. Becomes the only player in NHL history to register 2,000 career points after recording an assist on Oct. 26, 1990 at Winnipeg.

69. During the 1990-91 season, Gretzky has four games in which he accumulates five or more points, increasing his career total to 90.

70. Becomes the fourth player in NHL history to tally 700 goals in a game against the Islanders on Jan. 3, 1991.

71. Moves into first place on the all-time playoff goal-scoring list, surpassing Jari Kurri, with 93.

72. Tallies a pair of game-winning goals during the 1991 Stanley Cup Playoffs, tying Maurice Richard's NHL record of 18.

73. Wins his second consecutive and third overall Lady Byng Trophy in 1992.

82. Wins his 10th Art Ross Trophy in 1994 to become the oldest player, at age 33, to win the scoring title in 31 years (Gordie Howe won the title at 35 in 1963).

83. Registers his 1,600th career assist on Nov. 30, 1993 vs. Winnipeg and his 2,400th career point on Jan. 12, 1994 vs. Hartford.

84. Records his 2,500th career point with an assist on April 17, 1995 at Calgary.

85. On Feb. 27, 1996, Gretzky is traded to the St. Louis Blues and finishes the season as the Blues leading scorer with 102 points. It marks the 15th time in his career he reaches the 100-point plateau.

86. The New York Rangers sign Gretzky to a free-agent contact on July 21, 1996, reuniting him with former Edmonton teammate Mark Messier.

87. Versus Montreal on Dec. 1, 1996, he becomes the only player in NHL history to reach the 3,000-point plateau (including regular season and playoffs).

88. Collects his 2,700th NHL career point vs Boston on April 3, 1997.

89. On Oct. 26, 1997, Gretzky earns his 1,851st assist, giving him more assists than any player has total points.

90. Registers his League-leading 10th career playoff hat trick on May 18, 1997 in Game Two of the Conference Finals against Philadelphia.

91. Collects a pair of assists at the 1998 All-Star Game to become the all-time leading scorer in All-Star history (12 goals, 10 assists, 22 points).

92. Picks up his 50th career regular season hat trick to pad his overall lead on Oct. 11, 1997 at Vancouver. Mike Bossy is second with 39.

93. Notches a power-play goal on March 7, 1998 at New Jersey for his 1,000th career goal, combining regular season and playoffs.

94. On Jan. 9, 1998, Gretzky is named the Greatest Hockey Player of All-Time as selected by The Hockey News.

95. Gretzky tallies three points (one goal, two assists) in the North America All-Stars' 8-6 victory over the World All-Stars on Jan. 24, 1999, increasing his record career points total in All-Star Game play to 25 (13 goals, 12 assists) in 18 games.

96. Gretzky puts his stamp on hockey history once again on March 29, 1999, scoring the 1,072nd goal of his professional career. Between his NHL and WHA career, Gordie Howe tallied 1,071.

97. Gretzky won nine Hart Trophies in 10 seasons as the NHL's most valuable player. Gordie Howe's six Hart awards represent the second-highest total. The highest number of MVP honors earned in other sports are: NBA - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 6; Major League Baseball, many with three.

98. A 10-time NHL scoring leader, Gretzky would have won three Art Ross Trophies strictly on the basis of assists and tied for a fourth.

99. Gretzky recorded four 200-point regular seasons: 212 in 1981-82; 205 in 1983-84; 208 in 1984-85 and 215 in 1985-86. No other player has recorded a 200-point season. Mario Lemieux scored 199 in 1988-89.

Originally posted by trevster2k More Gretzky love, see what you started angelordevil

99 Reasons Why Wayne Gretzky
is "The Great One"

The evidence mounts!! I think we're singing from the same Gretzky hymn book..

I think Gretzky is/was the U2 of hockey, in the sense that he wasn't the most refined or technically brilliant, but he had a crazy desire for the game, a heart filled with passion, and he worked his damn ass off to be the best. (Assoff, wasn't he a Russian defenseman?). *lamely laughs at self*

My family laughed at my Gretzky love the same way they do now with U2. I used to be such a freak, I would stay up late at night to tune in distant radio broadcasts of Kings and Rangers games.